Systems, methods, and devices for delivering tobacco into tobacco casing tubes

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, and devices for automatically delivering tobacco into a tobacco receiving cavity in a cigarette casing, including a packer module with movable fingers for compressing tobacco.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. Non-ProvisionalApplication No. 15/818,627 filed Nov. 20, 2017, titled “SYSTEMS,METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR DELIVERING TOBACCO INTO TOBACCO CASING TUBES”.

The present application relates generally to apparatus, systems andmethods for use with cigarette tobacco filling devices.

This application is related to the subject matter disclosed in U.S.Provisional application Ser. No. 61/209,953 filed Mar. 9, 2009, titled“CIGARETTE TUBE INJECTOR”; U.S. Non-Provisional Application No.12/584,110 tiled Aug. 31, 2009, titled “CRANK TYPE AUTOMATIC CIGARETTETUBE INJECTOR”; U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/507,774filed Jul. 26, 2012, titled “CRANK TYPE AUTOMATIC CIGARETTE TUBEINJECTOR”; U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 14/224,036 filedMar. 24, 2014, titled “CIGARETTE TOBACCO FILLER DEVICE”; and U.S.Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/199,461 filed Jun. 30, 2016,titled “SYSTEMS, METHODS and APPARATUSES FOR ROTATIONAL DRIVE MODULESFOR USE WITH CIGARETTE TOBACCO FILLING DEVICES,” which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is related to automatic cigarette tobacco fillingsystems, methods, and devices that are electrically powered.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The cigarettes consumed by people are normally manufactured by factoriesand are sold in market. A cigarette is typically known to be a paperwrapped tube stuffed with finely cut tobacco leaves that may have afilter. Generally, the tobacco leaves are cured and processed withadditives. There are many flavors and brands of premade cigarettes thatpeople can purchase that have different types of tobacco leaves, whichmay undergo different cure processes and additives. However, some peoplewish to fill and smoke their own tobacco cigarettes, sometimes referredto as “roll your own” or “RYO” products.

For people that wish to fill and smoke their own tobacco cigarettes,there are different methods of preparation for the cigarettes. One isthat they can be manually prepared by hand, by rolling a cigarette paperwith cut tobacco leaves inside. Performing these functions by hand canrequire a significant amount of time and can be difficult for someindividuals. Further, stuffing shredded tobacco leaves with a uniformand proper compactness can be a skill that requires a significant amountof practice. If the shredded tobacco leaves are too compressed, thecigarettes can be difficult to smoke. Alternatively, if the tobaccoleaves are wrapped too loosely, the tobacco may fall out of thecigarette before or during a smoking session, or the burning end or“ash” of the cigarette may either extinguish or even fall off during asmoking session.

Another method of preparing cigarettes that people can perform on theirown is through the use of a cigarette preparing machine. These usuallycomprise an injection device within a machine casing and an actuationdevice for actuating the injection device. The injection devicetypically comprises a plunger or “spoon” that is actuated by theactuation device and fills a predetermined amount of tobacco into anempty cigarette tube.

Currently there are machines that are commercially available that allowpeople to make cigarettes with their own tobacco. However, there are anumber of problems that plague these existing machines. For example, amanual crank-type machine can be operated by a user filling shreddedtobacco leaves into the crank nozzle, such that when the crank nozzle isinserted into the cigarette paper tube, the tobacco leaves are loadedtherein. The advantage of the manual crank-type machine is that itreduces the amount of time required for users to prepare each cigarette,compared to hand rolling. However, a drawback of the manual crank-typemachine is that the injection is not automatic or electrically powered.As such, the user must use both hands to provide force, alignment, andstability. Another drawback is that the tobacco leaves might not beevenly loaded within the cigarette paper tube, such that compactness ofthe resulting cigarette is not uniform.

Automatic cigarette rolling machines have also been created that aredriven by electric power. These use motors to automatically injecttobacco leaves into cigarette tubes. One problem with these machines isthat they can be large and heavy. Another problem is that tobacco leavescan be shredded into small pieces within the cigarette paper tube.Therefore, when the cigarette is lit, the cigarette ash cannot be heldproperly while smoking and will fall unexpectedly, causing a messy andpotentially dangerous situation. In various embodiments, this is anissue with auger type machines. Additionally, these machines are proneto jamming. Further, these machines can be quite expensive

Some attempts have been made at creating cigarette rolling machines,including in U.S. Patent Appl. Publ. No. 2006/0096604 to Moser and U.S.Patent Appl. Publ. No. 2015/0047654 to Thiry. These machines and othersolutions proposed have been less than desirable because they arecompletely mechanical, measure compaction with a single sensor, includeonly a single compressor, lack proper agitation of tobacco prior tofilling, and have been expensive.

There is therefore a need for improved methods, devices, and systemsthat allows users to easily, simply, effectively, and automaticallyinsert tobacco into a cigarette paper tube.

SUMMARY

Provided herein are embodiments of cigarette tobacco filler devices,that are easy to operate and easily and efficiently fill a cigarettetube with tobacco. These machines allow for adjustment of the density oftobacco to be packed, can perform multiple packing operations in a rowwithout needing constant replacement or maintenance, and quickly performtheir operations. As such, the embodiments described herein aregenerally directed to an automatic cigarette making machines that fillcigarette tubes by interacting with user interface buttons that controlelectrically powered motors. Once a cigarette tube is placed on a nozzleand a start button is pressed, components in the machine operate to packa preset amount of tobacco and insert it into a cigarette tubeautomatically.

Some embodiments described herein include multiple sensors that allowthe machine to monitor packing operations more effectively than priorart machines. Additionally, some embodiments described herein includemultiple structures that contact tobacco and provide packing operation,which can be more effective than single packing components of priormachines.

Advantages of these embodiments provide include time savings for usersover manual or existing automatic cigarette making machines.Additionally, the machines described herein can operate more quicklythan prior machines. Also, these machines allow for greater control oftobacco packing (including packing density), and thus more variability.Further, they are less expensive than previous automatic machines. Thosein the art will also understand that this list of advantages is notcomprehensive and there are additional advantages that are not listed,which will be evident in reviewing the figures and description providedherein.

In some embodiments, the machines and methods disclosed herein makequality cigarettes unlike those that can otherwise be made byindividuals at home. As such, they may be more like those that would beexpected from a professional manufacturer. These can be created usingthe embodiments described herein with a minimal or no learning curve. Toelaborate, in some embodiments, this can be accomplished without thelearning curve of having to “get the feel” of how to pack tobacco orhaving to rely on any pre-treatment of the tobacco, such as chopping itup finely or otherwise. The machines and methods described herein havebeen designed to replicate, duplicate, or otherwise enhance thedexterity that would be expected from human fingers when packing thetobacco into a chamber or cigarette tube. As such, using or otherwiseemploying the machines or methods herein, users may relax and push abutton instead of having to worry about whether they have packed theircigarettes too tight or too loose.

As will be understood, various improvements over prior machines includedherein provide that the embodiments herein include machines that makehigh quality cigarettes, as would be expected from those made bymass-manufacturing companies. These can be created without or withminimal learning curves for getting the “feel” of how to pack thetobacco into the cigarette tubes. Further, they can be created withoutor with minimal pre-treatment of the tobacco, such as chopping it intofine amounts. These machines and methods have been designed andimplemented to replicate, duplicate, or otherwise simulate the dexterityof human fingers in packing the tobacco into a tobacco packing chamberand then into cigarette tubes. With these embodiments the user may relaxand simply push a button, instead of worrying about whether they havepacked the tobacco in their cigarettes too tight or too loose.

Other systems, devices, methods, features, objectives and advantages ofthe subject matter described herein will be or will become apparent toone with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures anddetailed description. It is intended that all such additional devices,methods, features and advantages be included within this description, bewithin the scope of the subject matter described herein, and beprotected by the accompanying claims. In no way should the features ofthe example embodiments be construed as limiting the appended claims,absent express recitation of those features in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

The details of the subject matter set forth herein, both as to itsstructure and operation, may be apparent by study of the accompanyingfigures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts. Thecomponents in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis insteadbeing placed upon illustrating the principles of the subject matter.Moreover, all illustrations are intended to convey concepts, whererelative sizes, shapes and other detailed attributes may be illustratedschematically rather than literally or precisely.

Illustrated in the accompanying drawing(s) is at least one of the bestmode embodiments of the present invention. In such drawing(s):

FIG. 1 is an example embodiment of a perspective view of a conventionalcigarette making machine, illustrating a rotatable handle being rotatedabove the top side of a casing, thereby extending a plunger.

FIGS. 2A to 2C illustrate an example embodiment of an operation of theconventional cigarette making machine from a cutaway bottom view.

FIG. 3A is an example embodiment of a perspective view of a conventionalcigarette tobacco filler device, illustrating the operation handle at aninitial position for being pivotally and downwardly moved for actuation.

FIG. 3B is an example embodiment of a perspective view of a conventionalcigarette tobacco filler device, illustrating the operation handle at asecond position for being pivotally and downwardly moved for actuationof the enclosing window.

FIG. 3C is an example embodiment of a perspective view of a conventionalcigarette tobacco filler device, illustrating the operation handle at athird position for being pivotally and downwardly moved for completingthe tobacco insertion actuation.

FIG. 4 is an example embodiment of an exploded perspective view of aconventional cigarette tobacco filler device.

FIG. 5 is an example embodiment of a perspective view of a conventionalcigarette tobacco filler device, illustrating a normal first position ofthe device.

FIG. 6 is an example embodiment of a perspective view of a conventionalcigarette tobacco filler device, illustrating a second position of thedevice to close a tobacco receiving cavity.

FIG. 7 is an example embodiment of a perspective view of a conventionalcigarette tobacco filler device, illustrating a third position of thedevice to actuate a plunger.

FIG. 8 is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine diagramfrom a front perspective view.

FIG. 9A is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine diagramfrom a front perspective cutaway view.

FIG. 9B is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine diagramfrom a front perspective cutaway semi-transparent view.

FIG. 9C is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine diagramfrom a front perspective cutaway view.

FIG. 10 is an example embodiment of a tobacco packer module diagram froma perspective view.

FIG. 11A is an example embodiment of a tobacco packer module image froma bottom-up, front perspective view.

FIG. 11B is an example embodiment of a tobacco packer module image froma bottom-up, rear perspective view.

FIG. 11C is an example embodiment of a tobacco packer module image froma bottom-up, side-rear perspective view.

FIG. 11D is an example embodiment of a tobacco packer module arm imagefrom a front perspective view.

FIG. 11E is an example embodiment of a tobacco packer module image froma top-down, front perspective view.

FIG. 11F is an example embodiment of a tobacco packer module image froma top-down, rear perspective view.

FIG. 11G is an example embodiment of a tobacco packer module image froma top-down, view.

FIG. 11H is an example embodiment of a tobacco packer module image froma top-down, view.

FIG. 12 is an example embodiment of a tobacco agitator module diagramfrom a perspective view.

FIG. 13 is an example embodiment of a tobacco compressor module diagramfrom a perspective view.

FIG. 14 is an example embodiment of a tobacco compression adjustmentmodule diagram from a perspective view.

FIG. 15 is an example embodiment image of a cigarette making machinefrom a perspective view, showing a display.

FIG. 16A is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine imagefrom a front perspective view.

FIG. 16B is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine imagefrom a front perspective view.

FIG. 16C is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine imagefrom a front perspective view.

FIG. 16D is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine imagefrom a front perspective view.

FIG. 16E is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine imagefrom a front perspective view.

FIG. 16F is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine imagefrom a front perspective view.

FIG. 16G is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine imagefrom a front perspective view.

FIG. 16H is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine imagefrom a front perspective view.

FIG. 17 is an example embodiment electrical control system diagram for acigarette making machine.

FIG. 18 shows an example embodiment device operation flowchart diagram.

FIG. 19A shows an example embodiment diagram 1900 a of a cigarettemaking machine diagram from a perspective view without a housing.

FIG. 19B shows an example embodiment diagram 1900 b of a cigarettemaking machine diagram from a front perspective cutaway semi-transparentview.

FIG. 19C shows an example embodiment diagram 1900 c of a cigarettemaking machine spoon module perspective view.

FIG. 19D shows an example embodiment diagram 1900 d of a cigarettemaking machine spoon module view from a top-down perspective view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present subject matter is described in detail, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is not limited to the particularembodiments described, as such may vary. It should also be understoodthat the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting, sincethe scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appendedclaims.

A conventional cigarette making machine generally comprises an injectiondevice for tobacco that is received in a cigarette casing, including amanually operated actuation component, device, or module for actuatingthe injection device. The injection device comprises a plunger beingactuated by the actuation device for filling a predetermined amount oftobacco into an empty cigarette tube casing. FIGS. 1-7 show an exampleembodiment of a prior art manually operated cigarette making machinethat will be briefly described to illustrate operation andfunctionality. FIGS. 8-18 show example embodiments diagrams and imagesof various aspects and features of electronic cigarette filling machinesthat perform operations to automatically fill cigarette tubes accordingto the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an example embodiment of a perspective view of a conventionalprior art cigarette making machine 100, illustrating a rotatable handle12A being rotated above the top side of a casing 10A, thereby extendinga plunger 11A.

FIGS. 2A to 2C illustrate an example embodiment of an operation of theconventional prior art cigarette making machine 100, from a cutawaybottom view. As shown in the example embodiment, cigarette makingmachine 100 includes an opening of a tobacco receiving chamber or cavity11B for receiving a sufficient amount of tobacco to fill a cigarettecasing provided on a top side of casing 10A. Casing 10A can encloseinternal components of an injection device, wherein when a plunger 11Ais actuated, it pushes tobacco contained in tobacco receiving chamber11B into an open end of a cigarette tube. In particular, window 18A canbe provided at the top side of casing 10A and can be actuated, forinstance by cranking handle 12A, whereby the actuation device closes thetobacco receiving chamber 11B. Window 18A can have a sharp cutting edgearranged in such a manner that when window 18A is moved to close tobaccoreceiving chamber 11B, the cutting edge of window 18A is moved and cancut any excessive amount of tobacco out of or otherwise away fromtobacco receiving chamber 11B so as to retain a sufficient amount oftobacco therein, to fill a single cigarette tube.

The actuation device can include a number of mechanically coupledcomponents, including rotatable handle 12A, which can be rotatablycoupled on a top side of the casing 10A. The actuation device can alsoinclude an actuation link between rotatable handle 12A and plunger 11A,as shown in FIG. 2A. Rotatable handle 12A is rotated above the top sideof casing 10A about a central point in a single plane in two directions,in order to provide dual action operation, as shown in FIG. 1. In otherwords, rotatable handle 12A is rotated to actuate window 18A for closingtobacco receiving chamber 11B first and then serves to actuate plunger11A to push the tobacco into the cigarette tube. The actuation devicecan also include a cam 13A driven by the rotatable handle 12A, a windowlink connected between cam 13A and window 18A, and a plunger linkconnected between cam 13A and plunger 11A. The window link can include atransverse link 14A and a plurality of longitudinal links 15A. Theplunger link can include a plunger actuation arm 16A connected toplunger 11A.

Rotatable handle 12A can be manually rotated by a user, resulting in acorresponding rotary movement in an axle and integrally attached cam13A,wherein the rotary movement of cam 13A urges transverse link 14A tomove. The longitudinal links 15A can be rotatably pivoted at one end tothe transverse link 14A to actuate window 18A for closing the tobaccoreceiving chamber, as shown in FIG. 2B.

Once window 18A is actuated to close tobacco receiving chamber 11B, therotatable handle 12A can be further rotated in order to actuate theplunger actuation arm 16A. The rotatable movement of the plungeractuation arm 16A can be transmitted to move plunger 11A in a linearmovement. A compression spring 17A can be coupled to plunger actuationarm 16A to pull plunger actuation arm 16A back to its original position,so as to move plunger 11A back in a linear movement.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C and FIGS. 4-7, a conventional prior artcigarette tobacco filler device according to an example embodiment isillustrated, wherein the cigarette tobacco filler device, which isarranged for filling a predetermined amount of tobacco into an emptycigarette tube, include a casing 10, an injection unit 20 and a plungeractuation unit 30.

Casing 10 can have a tobacco receiving cavity 11 provided at a top sideof casing 10 for receiving tobacco, and an outlet 12 provided at a frontside of casing 10 for holding a cigarette tube in position, whereinoutlet 12 is in communication with the tobacco receiving cavity 11.Outlet 12 can have a tubular structure having a circumferential sizeslightly smaller than the circumferential size such that the outlet 12is adapted for inserting into the opening end of the cigarette tube tohold the cigarette tube in position. Casing 10 can further have asloping platform 13 provided at the top side of casing 10 to align withthe top opening of tobacco receiving cavity 11, wherein sloping platform13 is downwardly extended to tobacco receiving cavity 11 such that auser is able to brush tobacco at sloping platform 13 into tobaccoreceiving cavity 11. Casing 10 further includes a handle bar 14 spacedlyextended above the top side of casing 10 and extended between the frontand rear sides of casing 10 for carrying purposes and steadying thedevice while in use. Casing 10 can further have or enclose an interiorcavity for receiving injection unit 20 and plunger actuation unit 30,such that a bottom panel 15 can be coupled at the bottom side of casing10 to enclose the interior cavity.

Injection unit 20 can comprise a plunger 21 movably supported in casing10 at a position that a front pushing end 211 of plunger 21 is movedforward through tobacco receiving cavity 11 to outlet 12 for deliveringor otherwise pushing the tobacco into the cigarette tube. Accordingly,plunger 21 can have an elongated structure and be slid or otherwisemoved in casing 10 in a longitudinal direction within casing 10. Inparticular, plunger 21 can be coaxially aligned with outlet 12, suchthat when the plunger 21 is moved forward in a linear manner, frontpushing end 211 of plunger 21 will push the tobacco contained withintobacco receiving cavity 11 into the cigarette tube through outlet 12.

Injection unit 20 can further include a linear guiding channel 22longitudinally formed within casing 10 to guide the longitudinalmovement of plunger 21. Accordingly, injection unit 20 can include twoelongated plunger guiding arms 23 defining the sides of guiding channel22 therebetween, wherein plunger 21 is slidably coupled between plungerguiding arms 23 along guiding channel 22 to ensure plunger 21 is beingmoved longitudinally, without angular deviation.

Plunger actuation unit 30 can include a power shaft 31 rotatablysupported in casing 10 to couple with plunger 21 and an operation handle32 pivotally extended above the top side of the casing 10, wherein whenoperation handle 32 can be pivotally moved down toward the top side ofcasing 10, such that power shaft 31 is driven to rotate. Accordingly,power shaft 31 can provide a rotatable power to actuate plunger 21 forinserting tobacco contained within tobacco receiving cavity 11 into thecigarette tube through outlet 12. When operation handle 32 is pivotallymoved up and away from the top side of casing 10, power shaft 31 can bedriven to rotate in an opposite direction, wherein plunger 21 can movebackward in a linear manner so as to move back to its original position.

Power shaft 31 can be the main power transmitting element fortransmitting the rotatable power from the operation handle 32. One endof the power shaft 31 can be coupled with the bottom end of operationhandle 32 such that when the upper end of operation handle 32 ispivotally moved down toward the top side of casing 10, power shaft 31can be driven to rotate for generating the rotatable power. Accordingly,plunger 21 and power shaft 31 are spacedly supported within casing 10and are extended parallel to each other.

In various embodiments, a user is able to apply a downward force atoperation handle 32 to drive operation handle 32, thereby pivotallymoving it down toward the top side of casing 10. The pivotally downwardmovement of operation handle 32 allows the user to easily operateoperation handle 32 in an ergonomically actuating manner for completingthe filling of tobacco into the cigarette tube. In other words, thepivotally downward movement of operation handle 32 is designed tooptimize how the force applied by the user and to enhance the overalldevice performance.

By applying the downward force, casing 10 will be stably rested on asurface, such as a table surface, so as to prevent any unwanted movementof casing 10 during the operation of the cigarette tobacco fillerdevice. In some embodiments, operation handle 32 is coupled at a rearside of casing 10 to maximize the distance between operation handle 32and outlet 12 for easy operation.

According to some embodiments, the plunger actuation unit 30 furthercomprises a gear unit 33 driven by the power shaft 31 and an actuationarm 34 for actuating the plunger 21. The actuation arm 34 has a pivotend operatively coupled with the gear unit 33 and a driving endoperatively coupled with the plunger 21 in such a manner that when thepower shaft 31 is driven to rotate, the actuation arm 34 is pivotallymoved to longitudinally move the plunger 21 forward for pushing thetobacco to the outlet 12. In some embodiments, there may be no gears,but rather one or more double lever actuators. This may be ahorizontally mounted lever pushes a vertically mounted lever.

As shown in FIGS. 4-7, the actuation arm 34 comprises a first arm member341 pivotally coupled with the gear unit 33 and a second arm member 342pivotally coupled at the rear end of the plunger 21, wherein the firstand second arm members 341, 342 are pivotally coupled with each other inan end-to-end manner. Accordingly, the pivot end of the actuation arm 34is defined at the first arm member 341 to pivotally couple with the gearunit 33 while the driving end of the actuation arm 34 is defined at thesecond arm member 342 to couple at the rear end of the plunger 21.

Therefore, when the first arm member 341 is pivotally moved to the frontside of the casing 10, the second arm member 342 is driven tolongitudinally move the plunger 21 forward. When the first arm member341 is pivotally moved back to the rear side of the casing 10, thesecond arm member 342 is driven to longitudinally move the plunger 21backward.

The gear unit 33 is arranged to transmit the rotatable power from thepower shaft 31 to a pivotal movement of the actuation arm 34. Inparticular, the gear unit 33 comprises a first gear 331 coaxiallycoupled at the power shaft 31 and a second gear 332 which is coupled atthe pivot end of the actuation arm 34 and is operatively engaged withthe first gear 331. In particular, the second gear 332 will alsotransmit the direction of the rotatable power from the first gear 331 tothe actuation arm 34.

The first gear 331 has a teething edge portion and a non-teething edgeportion provided at the circumferential edge of the first gear 331. Thesecond gear 332 has a teeth edge portion to selectively engage with theteething edge portion and the non-teething edge portion of the firstgear 331 when the first gear 331 is rotated. Accordingly, when the firstgear 331 is rotated at a position that the non-teething edge portion ofthe first gear 331 is engaged with the second gear 332, the second gear332 is idle such that the actuation arm 34 is remained at a motionlessmanner. When the first gear 331 is rotated at a position that theteething edge portion of the first gear 331 is engaged with the secondgear 332, the second gear 332 is driven to rotate to pivotally move theactuation arm 34 so as to longitudinally move the plunger 21 forward.

The non-teething edge portion of the first gear 331 is initially engagedwith the second gear 332. When the operation handle 32 is pivotallymoved downward, the teething edge portion of the first gear 331 willthen be engaged with the second gear 332. Therefore, the second gear 332will be in an idle position at the first pivotal moving path of theoperation handle 32. In addition, the curvature length of the teethingedge portion of the first gear 331 is long enough to drive the plunger21 to longitudinally move by the actuation arm 34 for inserting thetobacco into the cigarette tube.

In some embodiments where a mechanism has gears, the gears may always beengaged to each other. However, in some embodiments, one or more of thegears may be driven by a pin that rotates freely until a particularpoint before driving one or more of the gears.

As shown in FIGS. 3-7, the plunger actuation unit 30 further comprises aresilient element 35 coupled at the actuation arm 34 for applying anurging force thereagainst so as to longitudinally move the plunger 21backward. Accordingly, the resilient element 35 comprises a coil springfor urging the actuation arm 34. In particular, the coil spring of theresilient element 35 has a coil portion coaxially coupled at the pivotend of the actuation arm 34 and two spring arms spacedly extended fromthe coil portion to bias against an inner wall of the casing 10 and theactuation arm 34 respectively. Accordingly, the respective spring arm ofthe resilient element 35 is coupled at the actuation arm 34 between thepivot end and the driving end. In particular, the respective spring armof the resilient element 35 is coupled at the first arm member 341. Thecoil spring has a spring property to move the actuation arm 34 is apivotally movable manner. Therefore, the fatigue life of the coil springincorporating with the actuation arm will be substantially prolonged toextend the service life span of the resilient element 35.

According to the example embodiment, the cigarette tobacco filler devicefurther comprises an enclosing window 40 movably coupled at the casing10 to enclose the tobacco receiving cavity 11 thereof. Accordingly, theenclosing window 40 has a planar structure and is transversely moved toclose the tobacco receiving cavity 11. In particular, the enclosingwindow 40 is movably coupled at the interior of the top side of thecasing 10 such that when the top opening of the tobacco receiving cavity11 is closed by the enclosing window 40, the tobacco receiving cavity 11will house a predetermined amount of the tobacco in order to insert thetobacco into the cigarette tube. The tobacco receiving cavity 11 isnormally closed by the enclosing window 40 to prevent the dust andparticles entering into the tobacco receiving cavity 11 when thecigarette tobacco filler device is not in use, as shown in FIG. 5.

The cigarette tobacco filler device further comprises a window actuationunit 50 operatively coupled between the enclosing window 40 and thepower shaft 31, wherein when the power shaft 31 is rotated, theenclosing window 40 is moved by the window actuation unit 50 to enclosethe tobacco receiving cavity 11 before the plunger 21 is moved. Inparticular, the window actuation unit 50 is actuated by the power shaft31 when the non-teething edge portion of the first gear 331 is initiallyengaged with the second gear 332. Therefore, the enclosing window 40 isactuated to close the tobacco receiving cavity 11 before the actuationof the plunger 21, as shown in FIG. 6. In other words, the operationhandle 32 provides dual actions to actuate both the enclosing window 40and the plunger 21 subsequently in one single pivotally moving downmovement. As such, at the first pivotal moving path of the operationhandle 32, i.e. the non-teething edge portion of the first gear 331 isinitially engaged with the second gear 332, the enclosing window 40 isactuated to close the tobacco receiving cavity 11. At the second pivotalmoving path of the operation handle 32, i.e. the teething edge portionof the first gear 331 is then engaged with the second gear 332, theplunger 21 is actuated to insert the tobacco into the cigarette tube.The first and second pivotal moving paths of the operation handle 32 arecontinuous movement of the operation handle 32 to pivotally anddownwardly move the operation handle 32 toward the top side of thecasing 10.

Accordingly, the window actuation unit 50 comprises two swinging members51 spacedly coupled with the power shaft 31 and a guiding panel 52 beingdriven to transversely shift by the swinging members 51. The swingingmembers 51 are identical and are securely coupled at the power shaft 31,wherein the swinging members 51 are rotatably swung when the power shaft31 is rotated.

The guiding panel 52 has a first edge movably coupled between theswinging members 51 and an opposed second edge pivotally coupled withthe enclosing window 40 in such a manner that when the power shaft 31 isrotated, the swinging members 51 are rotated to transversely shift theguiding panel 52 so as to transversely move the enclosing window 40 forclosing the tobacco receiving cavity 11. In particular, each of theswinging members 51 has an arc-shaped guiding slot 511 that the firstedge of the guiding panel 52 is engaged between the guiding slots 511 ofthe swinging members 51, such that when the swinging members 51 aredriven to swing, the first edge of the guiding panel 52 is guided toslide therealong. In other words, when the swinging members 51 aredriven to rotate by the power shaft 31, the first edge of the guidingpanel 52 is guided to slide along the guiding slots 511 to transverselyshift the guiding panel 52.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first edge of the guiding panel 52 is engagedwith the guiding slots 511 of the swinging members 51 via an elongatedswing shaft. In addition, the guiding panel 52 is transversely shiftedthat when the first edge of the guiding panel 52 is moved downwardlyalong the guiding slots 511, the second edge of the guiding panel 52 istransversely moved toward the closing direction of the enclosing window40. When the first edge of the guiding panel 52 is moved upwardly alongthe guiding slots 511, the second edge of the guiding panel 52 istransversely moved toward the opening direction of the enclosing window40.

In various embodiments, one or more components of actuation unit 50,such as guiding slots 511 and swinging members 51 can be complemented,supplemented or replaced with other functional drive modules. In manyembodiments, drive modules can be rotational drive modules or functiondifferently but using similar principles.

The enclosing window 40 has a pivot edge pivotally coupled with thesecond edge of the guiding panel 52 via a hinge structure such that whenthe guiding panel 52 is transversely shifted, the enclosing window 40 ispushed to close the tobacco receiving cavity 11. The enclosing window 40further has an opposed sharp cutting edge arranged in such a manner thatwhen the enclosing window 40 is transversely moved to close the tobaccoreceiving cavity 11, the cutting edge is stably moved for cuttingexcessive amount of the tobacco out of the tobacco receiving cavity 11,so as to retain a predetermined amount of the tobacco in the tobaccoreceiving cavity 11. The swinging members 51 are concurrently swungabout the power shaft 31 to generate an even pushing force toward theguiding panel 52. Therefore, the pushing force from the guiding panel 52is evenly applied at the pivot edge of the enclosing window 40, suchthat the enclosing window 40 can be smoothly moved in a well balancingmanner.

The prior art cigarette tobacco filler device further comprises acigarette tube hold-and-release unit 60 for holding the cigarette tubeat the outlet 12 and for releasing the cigarette tube from the outlet 12after the tobacco is filled in the cigarette tube. Accordingly, thecigarette tube hold-and-release unit 60 comprises a tube holding member61 movably biasing against the outlet 12 for holding the cigarette tubethereat, wherein the tube holding member 61, which is a spring-loadedmember, has a holding face for applying a spring holding force at theouter surface of the outlet 12 so as to hold the cigarette tube inposition. In particular, the tube holding member 61 is coupled with theenclosing window 40, wherein when the enclosing window 40 is at theopened position, the tube holding member 61 is moved away from theoutlet 12 to define a gap between the holding face of the tube holdingmember 61 and the outer surface of the outlet 12 for the cigarette tubecoupling with the outlet 12. When the enclosing window 40 is moved toits closed position, the tube holding member 61 is moved towards untilthe holding face of the tube holding member 61 is biased against theouter surface of the outlet 12 so as to hold the cigarette tube inposition. In other words, the operation handle 32 not only actuates theenclosing window 40 but also actuates the tube holding member 61 at thesame time.

The cigarette tube hold-and-release unit 60 further comprises a tubereleasing arm 62 which is pivotally supported in the casing 10 and isactuated by the actuation arm 34. The tube releasing arm 62 has areleasing end engaging with the tube holding member 61 and an opposedcontrol end arranged in such a manner that after the actuation arm 34 ismoved to actuate the plunger 21 for inserting the tobacco into thecigarette tube, the control end of the tube releasing arm 62 is actuatedby the actuation arm 34. Therefore, the releasing end of the tubereleasing arm 62 is pivotally moved to move the tube holding member 61away from the outlet 12 for releasing the cigarette tube from the outlet12. When the front pushing end 211 of the plunger 21 is moved out of theoutlet 12 for inserting the tobacco into the cigarette tube, the tubeholding member 61 is moved away from the outlet 12 at the same time.Therefore, the plunger 21 will also push the cigarette tube to detachfrom the outlet 12 after the tobacco is filled in the cigarette tube.

The operation handle 32 further provides triple actions to actuate allthe enclosing window 40, the plunger 21, and the cigarette tubehold-and-release unit 60 subsequently in one single pivotally movingdown movement. As mentioned previously, the first pivotal moving path ofthe operation handle 32 is to actuate the enclosing window 40 isactuated to close the tobacco receiving cavity 11. The second pivotalmoving path of the operation handle 32 is to actuate the plunger 21 isactuated to insert the tobacco into the cigarette tube. The operationhandle 32 further provides a third pivotal moving path to actuate thecigarette tube hold-and-release unit 60 to release the cigarette tubefrom the outlet 12. The first, second, and third pivotal moving paths ofthe operation handle 32 are continuous movement of the operation handle32 to pivotally and downwardly move the operation handle 32 toward thetop side of the casing 10.

According to the example embodiment, the plunger actuation unit 30further comprises a releasable joint 36 for releasing an engagementbetween the operation handle 32 and the power shaft 31. Accordingly, allthe actuations are powered by the rotation of the power shaft 31. Oncethe power shaft 31 is in an idle state, all the components cannot bemoved correspondingly. The releasable joint 36 is configured as safetydevice to ensure all the components are at the idle state when thecigarette tobacco filler device is not intentionally used.

The releasable joint 36 comprises a lock sleeve 361 coupled between theoperation handle 32 and the power shaft 31 and a releasable lock 362releasably engaged with the lock sleeve 361 to lock up the operationhandle 32 with the power shaft 31. Therefore, when the releasable lock362 is engaged with the lock sleeve 361, the operation handle 32 can bemoved to drive the power shaft 31 to rotate. Likewise, when thereleasable lock 362 is disengaged with the lock sleeve 361, theoperation handle 32 is freely moved to idle the power shaft 31. Whenreleasable lock 362 is disengaged with the lock sleeve 361, theoperation handle 32 will not be totally detached from the power shaft31. In particular, the operation handle 32 will only be freely rotatedwithout driving the power shaft 31 to rotate. Therefore, when the deviceis not in use, the tobacco receiving cavity 11 can be enclosed by movingthe operation handle 32 to close the tobacco receiving cavity 11 by theenclosing window 40 and by locking the operation handle 32 at theposition to retain the enclosing window 40 at the closed position so asto prevent dust or other particles being accumulated in the tobaccoreceiving cavity 11.

The releasable joint 36 can incorporate with a magnetic alignment unitto align the actuation position of the operation handle 32 with respectto the power shaft 31. In other words, when the releasable lock 362 isre-engaged with the lock sleeve 361, an angular position of theoperation handle 32 can be automatically aligned with the power shaft 31via the magnetic alignment unit before the operation handle 32 issecured to the power shaft 31.

In order to operate the prior art cigarette tobacco filler device shown,the user is able to pivotally move the operation handle 32 upward fromthe top side of the casing 10 in order to move the enclosing window 40for opening up the tobacco receiving cavity 11, as shown in FIG. 3A. Atthe same time, the tube holding member 61 is moved away from the outlet12 for the cigarette tube coupling with the outlet 12. Then, the user isable to fill the tobacco into the tobacco receiving cavity 11. When theuser ergonomically applies the downward force at the operation handle 32to pivotally move the operation handle down toward the top side of thecasing 10, as shown in FIG. 3B, the enclosing window 40 will beinitially actuated to close the tobacco receiving cavity 11 while thetube holding member 61 is moved to the outlet 12 for holding thecigarette tube in position. Excessive amounts of tobacco will be cut bythe cutting edge of the enclosing window 40 to prevent excessive amountof tobacco being inserted into the cigarette tube. Accordingly, the useris able to hold at the handle bar 14 to keep the casing 10 in stable foreasily applying the downward force at the operation handle 32. When userkeeps applying the downward force at the operation handle 32 topivotally move the operation handle down to the top side of the casing10, as shown in FIG. 3C, the plunger 21 is actuated to insert thetobacco into the cigarette tube. During the tobacco inserting operation,the enclosing window 40 is remained at the closed position. Once theoperation handle 32 cannot be further moved downwardly, i.e. the tobaccoinserting operation is completed, the cigarette tube hold-and-releaseunit 60 is actuated to release the cigarette tube from the outlet 12.Accordingly, the user only requires a single downward action topivotally drop down the operation handle 32 in order to hold thecigarette tube in position, to close the tobacco receiving cavity 11, tofill the tobacco into the cigarette tube, and to release the filledcigarette tube from the outlet 12.

Alternative embodiments of manually operated cigarette making machinescan include rotational drive modules which provide different benefits,such as simplified construction, fewer moving parts and cost savings.Further, electronic cigarette making machines can perform many or all ofthe operations that can be performed by manually operated machines.These can include processing modules that execute instructions that arestored in memory and cause steps to be performed. Processing modules canbe powered by batteries or connection to other power sources, such aselectrical outlets when plugged in or otherwise electrically coupled.

FIGS. 8 through 18 illustrate example embodiments of a cigarette makingmachine constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Turning first to FIG. 8, an example embodiment of a cigarette makingmachine diagram 800 is shown from a front perspective view. As shown inthe example embodiment, a cigarette making machine can have a body orcasing 802. Body 802 can include one or more pieces that are coupledtogether and provide protection for and hold internal components of thecigarette making machine. Body 802 can include a door 804 that isoperable to open a tobacco chamber (not shown) that houses tobacco to bepacked and inserted into cigarette tubes. In various embodiments, door804 can rotate about a fixed pivot point, slide open, or open by othermechanisms. In some embodiments, door 804 can be latched or otherwisefixed in place during use or storage. Also shown is a cigarette casingstorage compartment 814, which can include a door in some embodiments.Additional components, compartments, and functionality are contemplatedin various embodiments. The cigarette making machine shown iselectrically powered and provides efficiency, effectiveness, andoptimization of operations over prior art manually operated machines andother electronic cigarette making machines.

During operation, cigarette tubes can be placed around or otherwise neara cylindrically or other shaped nozzle 806 and receive tobacco through ahollow chamber therein via opening 808. As shown, various buttons 810can include start buttons, stop buttons, pressure or density adjustmentbuttons, power buttons, or others, as appropriate. These allow users tocontrol various functions of the machine, such as packing cigarettes totheir particular preferences.

Information related to operation of the cigarette rolling machine can bedisplayed via user device display 812. In some embodiments, this can bea LED screen, LCD screen, touchscreen, or other display. Those in theart should understand that power can be supplied to screen 812 via acable or one or more batteries with appropriate connections that areoperably coupled. Power can also be supplied to a processing unitincluding one or more processors, memory, and other electricalcomponents via appropriate connections and couplings. Thus,functionality of the machine can be controlled via buttons 810 thatcause processing units and modules to perform one or more tasks thatprogrammed as a set of instructions and stored in non-transitorycomputer memory.

FIG. 9A is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine diagram900 from a front perspective cutaway view. As shown in the exampleembodiment, casing 802 of FIG. 8 has been removed, showing variousinternal housings and support structures, which will be furtherdescribed with respect to the additional figures and the novel andinventive features of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine diagram920 from a front perspective cutaway semi-transparent view. The exampleembodiment depicts general locations and orientations of variousinternal components with respect to one another. Portions of an agitatormodule 1200 can be located about portions of a packer module 1000,inside a packing chamber 902, the interior of which is accessible via adoor 904. Most components of a compressor module 1300 can be locatedgenerally exterior to the packing chamber or hopper 902 within thecigarette making machine.

FIG. 9C is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine diagram950 from a front perspective cutaway view. Here, support and housingstructures have been removed to show general locations and orientationsof a tobacco packer module 1000, tobacco agitator module 1200, tobaccocompressor module 1300, and compression adjustment module 1400. Thesewill be discussed further with respect to FIGS. 10-14. In someembodiments, the agitator module vibrates at a constant rate. In someembodiments, the agitator module vibrates at a variable rate. This canalso be variable oscillation in some embodiments, such that it is not asingle rate.

FIG. 10 is an example embodiment diagram of a tobacco packer module 1000from a perspective view. In various embodiments, packer module 1000 caninclude one or more spring loaded “fingers” 1002 that are locatedpartially within an interior hollow space of a platform 1006 and extendoutward therefrom in one direction in an initial orientation. Theexample embodiment shown includes three fingers 1002 that are orientedparallel with one another in a downward angled orientation and aregenerally rectangularly box shaped. Fingers 1002 are operable to packtobacco at their initially extended ends into a tobacco packing chamberusing reciprocating motion that slides them back and forth withinplatform 1006. As such, they are slidably coupled to an interior ofplatform 1006 and are prevented from falling out or otherwise decouplingfrom platform 1006 by internal structures such as lips (not shown).Motion can be caused, controlled, or otherwise influenced by power froma motor 1004. Motor 1004 can be electrical or electromechanical invarious embodiments.

During operation, one or more sensors (not shown) is operable to detectwhen compacted tobacco reaches a desired or otherwise adequate densityor compression according to preset conditions. In this manner, themechanical “fingers” consistently pack the tobacco to a predetermineddensity or compression and compactness to allow proper construction ofthe finished cigarette. These sensors are positioned above platform 1006and monitor the status of platform 1006. Here, holes 1008 of platform1006 can be provided through an upper surface of platform 1006. Holes1008 can align with holes (not shown) in one or more fingers. Here thereare three fingers and the two outermost fingers 1002 located nearest thesides of platform 1006 have holes in them. When fingers 1002 are pushedupward and into the platform, these holes in the fingers can align withholes 1008 to allow light to pass through holes 1008 in platform 1006.This light can trigger the one or more sensors (not shown) such asphototransistors or other sensing mechanisms, devices, or components tostop, terminate, or otherwise end a packing operation. In particular,when tobacco for the cigarette has been sufficiently compressed based ona predetermined compression condition, the fingers used to compress thetobacco will be moved sufficiently such that their holes are alignedwith the holes 1008 to allow the passage of light, which therebyactuates the light sensor. When this light sensor is actuated, thiscauses the machine to stop further compression. In other words, usingfingers 1002 having a predetermined compression condition, the device ofthe present invention may reliably and repeatedly pack tobacco forinsertion into cigarette tubes to create cigarettes that allow forproper burning of the cigarette during smoking activities.

FIG. 11A is an example embodiment of a tobacco packer module image 1100from a bottom-up, front perspective view. As shown in the exampleembodiment, fingers 1102 can be one or more generally rectangularlyshaped structures that include springs. As such, they can be partiallyor wholly spring loaded and slidably coupled within platform 1106.Fingers 1102 can be displaced in a forward or backward direction alongan axis parallel to axis A-B.

As described with respect to FIG. 10, fingers 1102 can move to packtobacco shreds or flakes. In some embodiments, the motor can cause themto vibrate. The motor can be coupled by one or more arms, as shown inFIG. 10, that is also coupled with a pivoting arm 1107. This can befurther pivotably coupled with a bar 1109 that is coupled in a fixedconfiguration to platform 1106. As such, pivoting arm 1107 is operableto partially rotate about bar 1109. In some embodiments, fingers 1102can transmit vibrations to improve movement of tobacco flakes, as causedby the motor. Also, as described with respect to FIG. 10, opticalsensors can be used to sense the status of a tobacco packing operationby monitoring light through holes 1103 of fingers 1102.

FIG. 11B is an example embodiment of a tobacco packer module image 1110from a bottom-up, rear perspective view. A generally outline of a finger1102 orientation is shown by the dashed box. Fingers 1102 can bemonolithic in some embodiments, while in others they can include one ormore structures that are bonded together by adhesives or otherwisecoupled through appropriate coupling means.

FIG. 11C is an example embodiment of a tobacco packer module image 1120from a bottom-up, side-rear perspective view.

FIG. 11D is an example embodiment of a tobacco packer module arm image1130 from a front perspective view. Movement and positioning of fingers1102 can be influenced and controlled by springs (see e.g. 1103 of FIG.11C) that are movably coupled with the fingers. As shown, the one ormore fingers 1102 are generally held or pushed toward a forward positionin the direction of A on axis A-B by one or more springs 1103. Springs1103 are mounted or suspended between a forward and backward wall (notshown) circumferentially about a shaft 1105 of finger 1102 in theexample embodiment. Springs 1103 can independently control movement ofeach finger 1102 or more than one finger 1102 can be coupled togetherand controlled by springs 1103 in various embodiments. In someembodiments, spring force can be about four pounds per inch, while inothers it can be varied, as appropriate. Some embodiments includesprings each having differing spring forces.

Packing operations can be performed by platform 1106 movement, which caninfluence fingers 1102 to move. When a front end of fingers 1102contacts tobacco near its end toward A of axis A-B, movement of platform1106 in the direction of A causes the end of fingers 1102 to pushagainst the tobacco, in turn causing compression of springs 1103 andtherefore packing of tobacco.

FIG. 11E is an example embodiment of a tobacco packer module image 1140from a top-down, front perspective view. As shown in the exampleembodiment, holes 1108 in platform can be blocked with fingers 1102 arein an initial orientation.

FIG. 11F is an example embodiment of a tobacco packer module image 1150from a top-down, rear perspective view. As shown, screws 1111 or othercoupling mechanisms can be used to couple one or more components offingers 1102 to each other. In some embodiments, an end of fingers 1102that is opposite a tobacco impacting and packing end can come intocontact with one or more counter-springs that is mounted or otherwisecoupled in an appropriate position within the machine to support packingoperations.

Hole orientation for optical sensing will now be described with respectto FIGS. 11G-11H.

FIG. 11G is an example embodiment of a tobacco packer module image 1160from a top-down, view. As shown in the example embodiment, when a finger1102 is in an initial orientation, a hole 1108 of platform 1106 isblocked by the body of finger 1102. Thus, a sensor positioned to monitorhole 1108 is unable to see through finger 1102. In some embodiments,optical resistors can be used, while in others, optical transistors canbe used. Those in the art should understand that these are mounted orotherwise coupled in a location within the machine such that they canoperably perform the sensing described herein.

FIG. 11H is an example embodiment of a tobacco packer module image 1170from a top-down, view. As shown in the example embodiment, fingers 1102can be pushed out of their initial position, as shown in FIG. 11G. Thiscan cause a compression of a spring, as shown and described with respectto FIG. 11D. This spring compression can cause a hole of finger 1102,e.g. hole 1103 of FIGS. 11A-11C, to align with hole 1108 of platform1106. Thus, a sensor positioned to monitor hole 1108 can sense that theholes are aligned and a processor that is operably coupled to the sensorcan cause the machine to cease operation, due to tobacco beingadequately packed. As shown in the example embodiments of FIGS. 11G-11H,a body of finger 1102 can be colored black, as shown in FIG. 11G. Then,when holes 1103 and 1108 are aligned, as shown in FIG. 11H, a whitecolor or a light can be seen through the aligned holes and sensed by thesensor. Platform 1106 can cover the majority of each finger 1102 in someembodiments, with only a portion of a tobacco compacting end exposed invarious embodiments.

FIG. 12 is an example embodiment of a tobacco agitator module diagram1200 from a perspective view. An agitator module can include one or morepivot locations 1202, located at one or more locations of an agitatorpanel 1204. Here, these locations are at an upper end of agitator panel1204. These pivot locations can be coupled with a bar that is coupledwith an arm of a tobacco packer module, e.g. 1107 of FIG. 11A-C. In someembodiments, panel 1204 is located above or near a top side of a tobaccopacker module, as shown in FIG. 9B.

In the example embodiment, the pivoting motion of the tobacco agitatormodule can be powered or otherwise influenced by the same motor thatoperates a tobacco packer module, e.g. motor 1004 of FIG. 10. As such,the position of agitator module pivot locations 1202 can be influencedby movement of a cam 1208 that is coupled with the motor and that isslidably or otherwise coupled with one or more movable arms 1210. Cam1208 can move with about three quarters of an inch arc length wheninfluenced by motor control. As such, agitator panel 1204 can thenshake, vibrate, or otherwise move tobacco, such that it falls downwardin a hopper. In other words, in various embodiments tobacco that isplaced in the machine will generally be located on a top or angledupward facing surface of agitator panel 1204 and then slide down thesurface when the machine is in operation.

To elaborate, as shown in the example embodiment agitator panel 1204 canbe generally located in an angled position. This allows tobacco to beagitated downward toward a lower end, where it can be packed anddelivered into a cigarette tube. In some embodiments, this can be about75 degrees or other angles or ranges of angles. This can provide theadvantage of using the force of gravity to assist in packing operations,as compared with horizontal platforms in previous tobacco packingmachines. Additionally, some prior art packing machines perform verticalpacking operations, which can cause a variety of problems that arereduced or eliminated by using an angled platform.

Additionally, one or more agitator bars or rods 1212 are operable tomove and help to guide tobacco to the front end of fingers of a packermodule. In some embodiments, this can be done with respect to agitatorpanel 1204, while in others it can be done independently. Rod oragitator bar 1212 is coupled to arms 1210 via one or more guide arms1214. Thus, agitator bar 1212 can be used to move, push, or otherwiseinfluence tobacco position when the machine is in operation.Particularly, agitator bar 1212 can push tobacco into a chamber fordelivery into a cigarette tube. As such, agitator bar 1212 can increasethe likelihood that a cigarette will be successfully packed. In variousembodiments, this can be include pushing the tobacco in front of thefingers (see e.g. FIG. 11A-11H) of a packer module, that is then pushedinto the chamber by the fingers. In some embodiments, agitator bars canassist or otherwise function to hold tobacco in front of fingers,circulate tobacco that has stagnant position, or provide otherfunctions.

FIG. 13 is an example embodiment of a tobacco compressor module diagram1300 from a perspective view. In the example embodiment, a compressormodule can be powered by a separate motor (not shown) that isindependent of a packer module motor. In the example embodiment, thecompressor module powering motor can be a compressor motor, such as astepper motor, that is located on an opposite side of a panel 1302 froma primary drive gear 1304 through a hole (not shown) via a shaft (notshown). In some embodiments, this can be a plain gear motor that iscontrolled with one, two, or more light sensors. These can include alight blocking mask that is attached to an axle of gear 1306. Theposition can be sensed and may be noted by a coupled processor that one,two, or more final positions, such as chamber open or chamber closed, ofgear 1306 has been achieved. In some embodiments, no compressor motor isrequired for adjustment of compressor module components. They can becontrolled by other motors, or function independently.

This motor can be operable to turn gear 1304 through a range of degrees.In some embodiment, this can be back and forth through a range of aboutone hundred and eighty degrees. Gear 1304 can have teeth that areoperable to drive complementary shaped and movably coupled teeth of asecondary drive gear 1306. Gears 1304 and 1306 can be positioned suchthat when their teeth engage, rotation of gear 1304 in one directioncauses rotation of gear 1306 in the opposite direction. Secondary gear1306 can be permanently or removably coupled with a cylindrical or othershaped driveshaft 1308 that rotates about an axis and is coupled with atleast one pivot mechanism 1316. A secondary driveshaft 1314 can bepermanently or removably coupled to pivot mechanism 1316 such that whendriveshaft 1308 rotates, secondary driveshaft 1314 rotatescircumferentially about driveshaft 1308. Secondary driveshaft 1314 canbe coupled with one or more arms 1310, such that its movement causesarms 1310 to move. Arms 1310 can be pivotably coupled with a compressorcomponent 1312.

As shown in the example embodiment, compressor component 1312 can beangled upward with respect to a flat supporting surface plane in aninitial orientation. Here, compressor component 1312 is angled about 75degrees upward. This can be considered “upside-down” in some embodimentsand is a repositioning from prior types of spoons, which are generallyhorizontal. This angle allows tobacco to fall into a compression chamberchannel 1318 of component 1312 more easily when compared to conventionalcigarette injector machines. Additionally, this angle also allows fortobacco to fall while also being packed. Chamber channel 1318 can thenbe pushed or otherwise moved upward by movement of arms 1310 such that aspoon can receive the tobacco and push it outward through a nozzle (e.g.nozzle 806 of FIG. 8) and into an appropriately positioned cigarettetube.

In some embodiments, one or more motors of the machine may go throughseveral rounds of operations in order to pack a cigarette. As such,three to five or other numbers of cycles may be required for asuccessful packing operation. In some embodiments, this may take a fewseconds, about five seconds, or other amounts of time. Various factorscan influence this time, including the tobacco type, amount, density, orother tobacco related factors.

FIG. 14 is an example embodiment of a tobacco compression adjustmentmodule diagram 1400 from a perspective view. As shown in the exampleembodiment, a motor 1402 can be a stepper motor that is coupled to aprimary drive gear 1404 directly or indirectly via a centralized shaft(obscured). Gear 1404 can have teeth that are operable to drivecomplementary shaped teeth of a secondary drive gear 1406. Gears 1404and 1406 can be positioned such that when their teeth engage, rotationof gear 1404 in one direction causes rotation of gear 1406 in theopposite direction. Secondary gear 1406 can be permanently or removablycoupled with a cylindrical or other shaped driveshaft 1408 that rotatesabout an axis. Rotation of gears 1404, 1406 causes rotation ofdriveshaft 1408 and thus affects the position of arms 1410 coupled todriveshaft 1410. Arms 1410 can impede or otherwise affect movement,positioning, and orientation of a panel of a tobacco packer module.

In some embodiments, arms 1410 may be spring loaded with a torsion orother spring. As a rear, back, or distal end of fingers (e.g. 1102 ofFIG. 11A-11H) contact arms 1410, the coupled torsion spring maycounteract some or all of the load from the springs in the fingers. Thiscan reduce the force required by the machine required to push thefingers into the tobacco and trigger a stop command for packing by acoupled processor.

In general, driveshaft 1408 and arms 1410 of the tobacco compressionadjustment module can be located below an agitator panel (e.g. 1204 ofFIG. 12) and above a platform (e.g. 1006 of FIG. 10) of a tobacco packermodule. FIG. 9C shows an example of how a tobacco compression adjustmentmodule can be oriented with respect to a tobacco packer module in amachine, while the tobacco compression adjustment module is obscured inFIG. 9B by an agitator module.

FIG. 15 is an example embodiment image 1500 of a cigarette makingmachine from a perspective view, showing a display 1502, user interfacebuttons 1504, hopper door 1506, and nozzle 1508.

A process for using a cigarette making machine will now be describedwith respect to FIGS. 16A-16H.

FIG. 16A is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine image1600 a from a front perspective view. As shown in the exampleembodiment, a cigarette making machine can have a body or casing 1602.Body 1602 can include a door 1604 that is operable to open a tobaccochamber or hopper (obscured) that houses tobacco to be packed andinserted into cigarette casing tubes 1618 that are held in a cigarettecasing storage compartment 1614. In the example embodiment, door 1604rotates about a fixed pivot to open and close. In some embodiments, adoor (not shown) can be provided to close cigarette casing storagecompartment 1614.

Power for cigarette making machine can be supplied by power cord 1616,and can be used to run cigarette making operations via a processingmodule (not shown). In some embodiments, voltage can be about 100-240Vor other amounts. Processing module operations can be controlled by auser via buttons 1610 and information can be displayed for user reviewvia user device display 1612. Also shown are a nozzle 1606, having anopening 1608 for delivery of packed tobacco into a cigarette tube 1618,when appropriately positioned.

FIG. 16B is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine image1600 b from a front perspective view. As shown in the exampleembodiment, a user can open door 1604 of body 1602 in order to access ahopper or tobacco packing chamber 1620 for placement of tobacco to bepacked and delivered via nozzle 1606.

FIG. 16C is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine image1600 c from a front perspective view. As shown in the exampleembodiment, a user can place loose, shredded tobacco 1622 into chamber1620 of body 1602 when door 1604 is open. Then the user can select acigarette casing tube 1618 from storage 1614 for placement on nozzle1606.

FIG. 16D is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine image1600 d from a front perspective view. As shown in the exampleembodiment, a user can close door 1604 of body 1602 once shreddedtobacco has been placed into the packing chamber. After placing an openend of cigarette casing tube 1618 on the nozzle (obscured), the user canselect their preferred settings using buttons 1610. The cigarette makingmachine can display changes in settings via user device display 1612.

Here, examples of operations that buttons 1610 can control includeoperations such as on, off, start, stop, density or firmness ofcigarette packing, and others. The cigarette making machine can displaychanges in settings via user device display 1612. Settings displayed canshow level of packing firmness, density, or other metrics. This caninclude an actual or estimated amount of tobacco packed. Examples ofinformation that user device display 1612 can display include numbers,letters, words, infographics, and others. Examples of infographicsinclude pie charts, bar diagrams, and various others. Examples ofnumerical information that can be displayed include a total number ofcigarette tubes packed, total number of machine cycles, and others. Insome embodiments, examples of words displayed include “please closedoor” where a sensor (not shown) may monitor door 1604′s position orstatus. Once cigarette casing 1618 is in place and the user has appliedtheir preferred settings, they can select a start packing button 1610 tobegin operation of the packing process.

FIG. 16E is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine image1600 e from a front perspective view. As shown in the exampleembodiment, the user has begun a packing operation and cigarette tube orcasing 1618 has received tobacco inside its cylindrical tube. Here apacking spoon 1624 has been actuated and has pushed tobacco throughopening 1608 of nozzle 1606 and into casing 1618. The operating of sucha spoon 1624 is well known in the art and is illustrated—for example—inU.S. Pat. No. 8,261,752 to Bao, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. Packing spoon 1624 isoperable to extend slightly past the end of nozzle 1606, such that itclears nozzle 1606. In some embodiments, the orientation of spoon 1624is rotated to use assistance from the natural force of gravity to keeptobacco in an appropriate position in the machine or during delivery tocasings 1618. In particular, the inventors have found that is desirableto keep tobacco leaves from accumulating on the outside surface of thespoon 1624 as this may cause jamming or undesirable friction duringinjection of the cigarette spoon 1624. By reversing the position of thespoon 1624 such the curved outer surface of the spoon 1624 is positionedabove a compression chamber channel (e.g. 1318 of FIG. 13), the packedtobacco that is received and held within the spoon 1624 can be held orotherwise pulled downward by gravity in the channel. This helps excesstobacco leaves and debris to fall away from a curved upper or outersurface of spoon 1624 and avoids jamming or other friction duringpacking operations. Additional description of packing spoon 1624 and itsoperation in a packing module is provided with respect to FIGS. 19A-19D.

FIG. 16F is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine image1600 f from a front perspective view. Here, cigarette casing 1618 isfull of packed tobacco 1622 and has fallen clear of nozzle 1606 and thepacking spoon has retracted within opening 1608. In some embodiments,another sensor can be provided that detects if a packing module is fullyretracted, to ensure that fingers are never in the chamber when thecompressor closes. It can also be used to keep track of cycles that thepacking module has run through.

FIG. 16G is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine image1600 g from a front perspective view. As shown, the user has placedanother cigarette casing 1618 in position on the machine for packing. Invarious embodiments, operation of cigarette making machines can be runmultiple times in a row to make a plurality of cigarettes, depending onthe amount of tobacco put into the machine. For example, the machine maybe operable to compress or pack tobacco for cigarettes ten (10) times ina row with insertion into cigarette casing tubes. Additional attemptsmay cause the processor of the machine to pause operations and requireuser confirmation before running again.

As such, the user can make as many cigarettes desired, dependent uponthe amount of tobacco in the hopper. A particular cycle, such as a ten(10) cycle limit may only apply to a packing operation. In other words,in some embodiments if a machine attempts to pack tobacco into a chamberby cycling fingers back and forth more than the preset number of times(e.g. 10 times), the operation of the machine may cease or otherwisestop and request or require user interaction (for example by pausing anddisplaying a message as described elsewhere herein).

As such, this may occur after a preset number of uses or operations insome embodiments. Additionally, this can also occur if tobacco becomeswedged between components, blocks them, or otherwise impedes normalmachine performance or individual component functionality. In someembodiments, one or more component operation sensors can trigger aprocessor to cease operations if one or more components fails toproperly function during an operation. At various points, one or morestatus messages can be displayed via user display requesting that useropen chamber for hopper and loosen tobacco remaining in hopper chamber.

FIG. 16H is an example embodiment of a cigarette making machine image1600 h from a front perspective view. As shown, the user can open door1604 to access chamber 1620 and move or add tobacco 1622 as desired orrequired. Although useful, casing tubes 1618 need not be perfectlycylindrical in all embodiments for effective operation. As such, theymay be slightly crimped, bent, or otherwise misshapen and machine maystill be able to fill them with packed tobacco.

FIG. 17 is an example embodiment electrical control system diagram 1700for a cigarette making machine. As shown in the example embodiment, apower module 1702 can receive, monitor, and maintain effectiveelectrical power when the machine is electrically coupled or connectedto a source such as a battery or wall outlet. This can power a coupledprocessor 1704 that executes instructions stored in non-transitorycomputer readable memory 1706 that is coupled to processor 1704. Theseinstructions can include program instructions that control the variousoperations of the machine and may include triggers, thresholds, or otheroperations.

Processor 1704 can also be coupled with user interface control module1708, which controls messages and information that is displayed on acoupled user interface display. User interface control module 1708 canalso receive commands that a user selects on one or more coupled userinterface buttons or touchscreens. Also coupled to processor 1704 can beone or more motor control modules 1710 a , 1710 b . These can controloperation of coupled motors, such as stepper motors that operate thevarious motors of the machine.

In some embodiments, there may be one, two, three, four, or othernumbers of controlled motors in of the machine. In embodiments with fourmotors, one may be used for packing, one for packing adjustment, one forcompressing, and one to drive a spoon into a cigarette tube. In variousembodiments, only the packing adjustment motor may be a stepper motor.In various embodiments, the injection control module may be a separatepart or component of the machine, but it need not be. It can be part ofa processor module. One, some or all motors can also be communicativelycoupled with one or more processors that control their function.

A sensor control module 1712 that is coupled to processor 1704 canmonitor sensors within the machine that determine the state of one ormore components of the machine. Once an adequate amount of tobacco hasbeen packed as determined per the instructions and operations, injectionof the tobacco into a cigarette tube can be controlled by an injectioncontrol module 1714 that is coupled to processor 1704.

It should be understood that the control system or control moduledescribed herein can be understood as a single electrical control moduleincluding a variety of components or a series of coupled modules orsub-modules. Modules can include their own memory and processors in someembodiments. Further, some embodiments can include additional systemcontrol components or modules, fewer system control components ormodules, and combinations of system control components or modules. Forexample, an audio control module can be included in some embodimentsthat may have a speaker that recites preprogrammed messages or makesother sounds. Another example contemplated includes modules or othercontrol of system indicator lights that can be operably coupled and showthat the device is on, off, in use, plugged into a power source, needsattention, or others. As such, various alerts can be used in differentcontemplated embodiments. The various components, modules, and elementsdescribed or implemented can be those currently known in the art orlater developed. Additionally, they can be mounted in a single locationor in multiple locations, as appropriate. For example, they can bemounted or otherwise coupled in locations near motors, below or nearbuttons, or physically isolated within their own casings or chambers,with wires extending out to their operably coupled structures orcomponents.

FIG. 18 shows an example embodiment device operation flowchart diagram1800. As shown in the example embodiment, in a first step 1802, a usercan open a door of the device that is operably connected to a powersource and insert tobacco into a receiving chamber or hopper beforeclosing the door and applying a cigarette tube around a tobacco fillingnozzle. As a second step 1804, the user can select a tobacco packingdensity via a user interface and select a start option. This can causethe machine to begin agitating and packing the tobacco before pushing itout through the nozzle and into the cigarette tube. A third step 1806can include the user inspecting the cigarette to determine if it isadequately packed and repeating step 1804 by making any adjustments topacking density, if desired. If a maximum number of pre-programmedcycles have occurred, as programmed in non-transitory memory andmonitored by a processor of the machine, in step 1808 the machine maydisplay a message or otherwise indicate to the user that the user shouldreturn to step 1802. In some embodiments, this can be 3, 5, 10, or othernumbers of cycles.

FIG. 19A shows an example embodiment diagram 1900 a of a cigarettemaking machine diagram from a perspective view without a housing,including a spoon module 1902.

FIG. 19B shows an example embodiment diagram 1900 b of a cigarettemaking machine spoon module 1902 in a cigarette making machine from afront perspective cutaway semi-transparent view.

FIG. 19C shows an example embodiment diagram 1900 c of a cigarettemaking machine spoon module 1902 perspective view. As shown in theexample embodiment, a powered motor 1916 can be coupled with and used tocause an arm 1904 to rotate about a pivot 1906 when controlled by acommunicatively coupled processor. As such, it can move a spoon packer1908 to push packed tobacco into a cigarette tube, as well as towithdraw spoon packer 1908 after this action has occurred.

FIG. 19D shows an example embodiment diagram 1900 d of a cigarettemaking machine spoon module 1902 view from a top-down perspective view.As shown in the example embodiment, spoon module 1902 can include one ormore arms 1904 that rotate about a pivot point 1906 at a proximal end ofarm 1904. This rotation causes a spoon packer 1908 located at a distalend of arm 1904 to travel along a track or predefined path 1910 to pushtobacco out of the machine and into a cigarette tube. Also shown is apivot 1912 at distal end of arm 1904, allowing arm 1904 to rotate whilemaintaining a positional relationship of spoon packer 1908 with respectto track 1910. As shown, arm 1904 can be two or more arm sections with aseparate pivot 1914 at a location somewhat near distal end of arm 1904.In some embodiments, this can be located in a different location of arm1904.

In some embodiments, machine casings or body members can include one ormore ports, doors, or access panels, such that users can open and closethem to maintain internal components. For example, one or more ports canbe provided that allow users to apply compressed air to clean opticalsensors that may be obscured by tobacco dust after several machine usecycles have occurred. Materials for various components and structuresdescribed herein can be substituted or varied, as appropriate. As such,in some embodiments, various metals, plastics, and others can be used.These can include extruded aluminum, stamped steel, and many others,that are known in the art currently or later developed.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”,and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

The publications discussed herein are provided solely for theirdisclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothingherein is to be construed as an admission that the present disclosure isnot entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior disclosure.Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from theactual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.Additionally, all publications discussed herein are hereby incorporatedby reference in their entirety.

It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions,and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein areintended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from anyother embodiment. If a certain feature, element, component, function, orstep is described with respect to only one embodiment, then it should beunderstood that that feature, element, component, function, or step canbe used with every other embodiment described herein unless explicitlystated otherwise. This paragraph therefore serves as antecedent basisand written support for the introduction of claims, at any time, thatcombine features, elements, components, functions, and steps fromdifferent embodiments, or that substitute features, elements,components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those ofanother, even if the following description does not explicitly state, ina particular instance, that such combinations or substitutions arepossible. It is explicitly acknowledged that express recitation of everypossible combination and substitution is overly burdensome, especiallygiven that the permissibility of each and every such combination andsubstitution will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill inthe art.

In many instances, entities are described herein as being coupled toother entities. It should be understood that the terms “coupled” and“connected” (or any of their forms) are used interchangeably herein and,in both cases, are generic to the direct coupling of two entities(without any non-negligible (e.g., parasitic) intervening entities) andthe indirect coupling of two entities (with one or more non-negligibleintervening entities). Where entities are shown as being directlycoupled together, or described as coupled together without descriptionof any intervening entity, it should be understood that those entitiescan be indirectly coupled together as well unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

While the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in thedrawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood,however, that these embodiments are not to be limited to the particularform disclosed, but to the contrary, these embodiments are to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritof the disclosure. Furthermore, any features, functions, steps, orelements of the embodiments may be recited in or added to the claims, aswell as negative limitations that define the inventive scope of theclaims by features, functions, steps, or elements that are not withinthat scope.

1. An automatic cigarette filling system for packing and fillingcigarette tubes with tobacco, comprising: a housing body, comprising: atobacco holding compartment to receive tobacco; and a nozzle to dispensepacked tobacco from the tobacco holding compartment into a cigarettecasing tube; a packer module, located at least partially within thetobacco holding compartment, comprising: a packing motor; a packingplatform coupled to the motor by a movable packer arm; and at least onefinger slidably coupled with the packing platform to pack tobacco to apredetermined compression; a dispensing spoon to dispense packed tobaccofrom the tobacco holding compartment via the nozzle; and a controlsystem, comprising: a user interface to receive an input from a user;and an electrical control module comprising non-transitory computerreadable memory and at least one processor that is operably coupled withthe user interface and the packing motor, wherein, when connected to apower supply and upon receiving the input from the user, the electricalcontrol module causes the packing motor to actuate the packer arm andthereby pack the tobacco to a predetermined compression using the atleast one finger before dispensing it into a cigarette casing tube usingthe dispensing spoon.
 2. The automatic cigarette filling system of claim1, wherein there are three fingers, and wherein two of the three fingersare monitored by the electrical control module to pack the tobaccoevenly.
 3. The automatic cigarette filling system of claim 1, whereinthe tobacco holding compartment is inverted at an angle of aboutseventy-five degrees downward from a horizontal plane; and the tobaccois compressed upwards into the tobacco holding compartment from thebottom up, such that the dispensing spoon is oriented above the bottomof the tobacco holding compartment to prevent the tobacco containedtherein from falling behind the dispensing spoon.
 4. The automaticcigarette filling system of claim 1, further comprising: an agitatormodule, comprising: an agitator arm; and an agitator platform coupled tothe agitator arm, wherein the agitator arm is coupled to the packingmotor and causes the agitator platform to agitate tobacco within thetobacco holding compartment when the packing motor is in operation. 9.(canceled)
 5. The automatic cigarette filling system of claim 4, whereinthe agitator module further comprises an agitator bar coupled to theagitator arm, wherein the agitator bar facilitates tobacco movement intoposition for packing.
 6. The automatic cigarette filling system of claim4, wherein at least a portion of the agitator module does not preventtobacco from falling within the tobacco holding compartment; and whereinthe tobacco can at least partially adhere to at least a portion of theagitator module.
 7. The automatic cigarette filling system of claim 4,wherein the agitator module is oriented such that it prevents tobaccofrom falling into portions of the system that may impede other cigarettepacking and filling functions.
 8. The automatic cigarette filling systemof claim 4, wherein the agitator bar further guides tobacco to an areain front of the fingers and does not rely on gravity or vibration alone.9. The automatic cigarette filling system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a tobacco compressor module, comprising: a compressor motor;and a compressor component having a channel, wherein the compressormotor is coupled to the electrical control module, such that, uponreceiving a user input, the electrical control module causes thecompressor motor to actuate the compressor component and therebycompress tobacco in the channel.
 10. The automatic cigarette fillingsystem of claim 1, wherein a density of cigarette packing is selected bythe end user and electronically controlled by the at least oneprocessor.
 11. The automatic cigarette filling system of claim 4,wherein the dispensing spoon is operable to slide along the channel todispense tobacco therefrom.
 12. The automatic cigarette filling systemof claim 9, wherein the dispensing spoon and oriented such that a curvedouter surface of the dispensing spoon is positioned above and parallelwith the channel.
 13. The automatic cigarette filling system of claim 1,further comprising: a tobacco compression adjustment module, comprising:a compressor adjustment arm, wherein, upon a compression adjustment userinput, the electrical control module causes the compressor adjustmentmotor to actuate the compressor adjustment arm and thereby change thecompression of the tobacco being packed.
 14. The automatic cigarettefilling system of claim 13, wherein the compressor adjustment arm isoperable to contact the packing platform, and wherein actuating thecompressor adjustment arm causes it to rotate about an axis and changeposition with respect to the packing platform.
 15. The automaticcigarette filling system of claim 1, wherein the dispensing spoon isoriented such that a curved outer surface of the dispensing spoon ispositioned above the tobacco to be dispensed, thereby allowing gravityto help clear away any excess tobacco or other debris that may otherwisecollect on the curved outer surface of the dispensing spoon and hamperoperation thereof.
 16. The automatic cigarette filling system of claim1, further comprising: a sensor, operable to detect at least one stateof the packing module and coupled to the electrical control module,wherein the electrical control module ends a tobacco packing operationbased on the sensor detecting the state of the packing module isindicative of the packing module having packed tobacco to apredetermined compression during the tobacco packing operation.
 17. Theautomatic cigarette filling system of claim 16, further comprising: atleast one additional sensor, operable to detect if the packer module isfully retracted, such that the at least one finger is not in the chamberwhen a tobacco compression adjustment module closes
 18. The automaticcigarette filling system of claim 17, wherein the at least one processoralso monitors the least one additional sensor and counts a number ofcycles of the packer module.
 19. The automatic cigarette filling systemof claim 18, wherein the sensor detecting the state of the packingmodule further comprises: detecting a compression state of the at leastone finger; and wherein the packing platform further comprises: at leastone platform hole in a surface of the packing platform, such that afinger surface is exposed through the platform hole, wherein detectingthe compression state of the at least one finger further comprises thesensor detecting the compression state through the platform hole. 20.The automatic filling cigarette filling system of claim 19, wherein theat least one finger further comprises: a finger hole through the fingerthat is positioned to align with the platform hole in at least oneposition when the finger has been slid within the packing platform,wherein detecting the compression state through the platform holefurther comprises detecting the finger hole through the platform hole.